Applications are now being accepted for 2017 child-abuse prevention grants funded primarily through sales of the "It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child" specialty license plate.

In 2016, 19 non-profits that focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect shared $450,000 in grants. The deadline for applying for 2017 grants is 3 p.m. April 20.

"We couldn't be more proud to champion this effort again this year," said Mi-Ai Parrish, president of The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, which initiated the program in 1999. "So many problems around child welfare are based in abuse or neglect. Awareness and prevention are so important."

In its 17 years, the "It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child" license plate program has awarded about $9 million to agencies around the state.

The effort has been jointly supported by The Republic/azcentral.com, the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, the Arizona Community Foundation, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Valley of the Sun United Way and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

The plate is $25, $17 of which is tax-deductible and goes to fund the programs and $8 from each sale goes to administrative costs. Each year, the license plate is renewed; so, too, is the donation.

In 2016, grants ranged from $2,000 to $47,000. Top awards were given to:

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona of Prescott Valley: Granted $47,000 for its Never Shake a Baby Arizona program. NSBAz is an evidenced-based program that provides information to parents to prevent shaken baby syndrome. Nurses offer the program's services to parents before the discharge of their newborn. If accepted, the parents receive a tip sheet, watch a video and sign a commitment form stating they were educated on the syndrome and will extend their knowledge to other parents.

Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation: Awarded $37,000 for its Child Abuse Prevention program to reduce the risk of child abuse in communities through educational outreach.

Arizona's Children Association of Phoenix: Awarded $37,000 for the Parent Connection, which offers a variety of play-based parenting groups, parenting classes and workshops to help aid in child development.

Casa de los Ninos of Tucson: Awarded a $37,000 grant for its Community Outreach and Programs: free classes for parents, professionals and caretakers on raising a child happily and safely.

It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child

Grants from the "It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child" fundraising effort are given exclusively to agencies that focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The deadline for qualified non-profits to apply is 3 p.m. April 20. Click here for more information about the grant application process.

To order the specialty plate, go to servicearizona.com. The cost is $25 — $17 of which is tax-deductible and goes to fund the programs. The remaining $8 pays administrative costs. Each year the license plate is renewed; so, too, is the donation.